Grand County still up in air on retail marijuana decision

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HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS — County commissioners received mostly negative public comment on allowing and taxing retail cannabis shops during a hearing held on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

The retail marijuana hearing was attended by about nine members of the public, mostly medical professionals. Attendees made arguments against allowing retail marijuana, again citing concerns over public health and influences on children.

Commissioners repeatedly noted that per Colorado state law, marijuana possession and use is currently legal for adults. It’s up to parents to monitor their children, not the government, the commissioners said, drawing comparisons with the regulation of alcohol.

To be in compliance with state law, local governments must make a decision on whether to ban retail marijuana businesses by Oct. 1. Commissioners’ decision would only affect unincorporated Grand County, including Tabernash and Parshall. Other local town governments in the county, except the Town of Fraser, have voted to deny retail cannabis operations within their limits.

Commissioners will hold another discussion on the cannabis issue on Sept. 24.